Sheinbaum Announces Overhaul of Mexico’s Customs Law to Tackle Corruption and Boost Efficiency

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that her administration will introduce a new customs law in September, part of a sweeping reform aimed at curbing corruption, streamlining operations, and modernizing one of Mexico’s most critical economic gateways.

The announcement, made during a recent press conference, underscores the urgency of addressing longstanding structural issues within Mexico’s customs system—a sector plagued for years by inefficiency, bureaucratic red tape, and allegations of organized corruption.

A New Chapter for Customs Oversight

President Sheinbaum emphasized that the current state of customs operations is untenable, citing collusion between public officials and private entities engaged in illicit payment schemes. “Personally, I meet with all customs officials,” she said, noting that she is scheduled to meet this week with top figures from the Navy and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena) to analyze vulnerabilities and identify specific regional challenges.

Her plan includes comprehensive interagency coordination involving the Digital Agency for Public Innovation, the Navy (which oversees most seaports), Sedena (which has increasingly taken on logistical and administrative duties), and the Tax Administration Service (SAT). These entities are working in tandem to develop a regulatory framework that balances security, revenue protection, and trade facilitation.

Corruption in Customs: A Persistent Problem

Mexico’s customs offices, especially those at seaports and border crossings, have long been identified as high-risk zones for corruption. A 2020 audit by Mexico’s Superior Audit Office (ASF) found millions of pesos in revenue leakage due to irregularities in customs declarations and a lack of digital traceability. Meanwhile, Transparency International has consistently cited customs operations in Mexico as one of the country’s most vulnerable sectors for institutional corruption.

Earlier this year, the SAT revealed that multiple customs officers had been dismissed or reassigned amid ongoing investigations into bribery and unauthorized tariff modifications. Sheinbaum’s administration sees these reforms not just as a fiscal necessity but as a matter of national security.

Customs Revenue on the Rise

Despite systemic issues, customs revenue has surged in 2024, surpassing 100 billion pesos above projected levels, according to Sheinbaum. This uptick is attributed to improved digital tracking tools, stronger physical inspections, and enhanced coordination between federal agencies.

However, Sheinbaum was quick to clarify that revenue alone is not the benchmark of success. “We must improve efficiency across all customs procedures,” she said. “This is about creating a system that is fair, transparent, and functional—one that doesn’t punish legitimate commerce with delays or corruption.”

While the draft text of the new customs law has not yet been made public, insiders suggest it will include:

• Expanded use of AI and data analytics for cargo profiling and risk detection
• Stricter vetting and rotation of customs personnel to prevent entrenched networks
• Digitalization of import/export documentation to eliminate paper trails that enable bribery
• Clear mandates for military oversight at high-volume ports and land crossings
• Faster processing for low-risk shipments, especially those under trusted trader programs

The reforms are expected to echo several principles from international models, including the World Customs Organization’s Revised Kyoto Convention, which emphasizes simplification and harmonization of customs procedures.

Mexico’s Role in Global Trade

These changes come at a critical time. As one of the United States’ top trading partners, Mexico’s role in North American and global supply chains is growing. Its customs infrastructure must keep pace with rising demand, particularly as companies seek nearshoring solutions to move production closer to U.S. markets.

Ports like Manzanillo, Veracruz, and Lázaro Cárdenas, along with land crossings such as Nuevo Laredo and Tijuana, process hundreds of billions of pesos in goods annually. Delays and corruption at these entry points can ripple across industries—from auto manufacturing to agriculture.

A Reform Long Overdue

Observers say Sheinbaum’s initiative could mark a turning point if executed properly. “For years, we’ve seen customs reform promised, but not delivered,” said Sergio Romero, a logistics expert and trade consultant based in Monterrey. “What’s different now is the political will and military involvement. That raises the stakes—and the chances of success.”

Still, critics warn that militarizing customs management may come with risks of its own, including potential overreach and a lack of civilian oversight. Balancing enforcement with trade facilitation will be key.

With legislation expected in September, the next few months will be critical in shaping how Mexico manages one of its most economically vital and politically sensitive systems.

Bottom Line: Mexico is preparing to overhaul its customs operations in a major way. If successful, the new law could close corruption loopholes, speed up border crossings, and ensure that one of Latin America’s busiest trade networks runs more transparently and efficiently.